Cut Where You Can

With the economy on sick leave, everyone is talking about tightening their belts. Maybe you should too. Here are three simple ways to spearhead your expense-cutting campaign:

Your cell phone. If you're using more than your allotted minutes per month – and paying extra for it – upgrade your plan. $20 per month could save you far more in extra minutes and overage fees.

Your lunch. Make a little extra food at dinner, or throw something together the night before and stick it in the fridge. It's easy, it's a lot cheaper than eating out every day (even at the corner deli), and it's healthier. Sounds like a Triple Crown winner.

Your TV. Do you really watch 600 channels? Probably not. But you're paying for them. Your cable company offers a range of packages, so check out the less expensive options.

Of course, there are plenty of expenses in our lives that could use a trim – clothes shopping and travel are a couple that come to mind. But these three are easy to tackle, and you'll see some satisfying results right away. So what are you waiting for? Get out the scissors!